Patient-derived breast model repository, a tool for hyperthermia treatment planning and applicator design

Abstract

Objective The addition of hyperthermia in the treatment of intact breast cancer with the aim to improve local response is currently in a research phase. First, optimal hyperthermia devices need to be developed, for which a diverse, anatomically and pathologically accurate set of patient models is necessary. Methods To investigate the effects of inter-subject variations on hyperthermia treatment plans, we generated a repository of 22 anatomically and pathologically diverse patient models based on MR images of breast cancer patients. Hyperthermia treatment plans were generated for the 22 models using a generic theoretical phased array hyperthermia applicator. Results Good temperature coverage was achieved in the vast majority of the models, with median values for T 10 = 43.5°C (41.9–43.8°C), T 50 = 42.5°C (41.3–43.3°C), and T 90 = 41.3°C (39.8–42.6°C) under the condition that the maximum temperature increase in the patient is limited to 44°C. Conclusions For future development of hyperthermia devices and treatment methods, a repository with a sufficiently large number of representative patient models, such as the one provided in this study, should be used to ensure applicability to a wide variety of patients. This repository is therefore made publicly available.